Now that my hangover from the holidays has finally worn off, I thought it was time I actually started writing in my blog. 

I have been continuously learning calligraphy for the past 9 months. I’ve transitioned from modern calligraphy to learning copperplate, from using brush pens to pointed pens. During these months, I’ve come across fellow lefties, equally eager to learn, but felt it was almost impossible to learn. But it’s not impossible. Because I learned how to write. So did other lefties. 

I’m not saying it’s easy to learn. I had several awkward starts, but I just charge them to experience. Learning calligraphy is a big challenge in itself. And personally, I believe it’s a bigger challenge for lefties. 

What makes calligraphy extra challenging for lefties is the constant battle with ink smears. With a ballpoint pen, lefties write usually on the same level as the text. With calligraphy, the ink stays wet while you write and you can’t write like you do with a ballpoint pen. If you did, you will end up with blotches of ink on your hand and the paper. 

Lefties need to change the way they write, the way they hold the pen, the way they angle the paper. They need to learn how to adapt to instructions which are usually meant for right-handed people. There is not one perfect way to do things. They eventually have to figure out what works best for them and their writing style. Everyday is a learning experience. 

As with everything else, it takes a lot of patience and practice to get to where you wanna be. Always start with and go back to the basics. Then move on from there. 

Happy writing!